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Generation Date: 04/15/2010
Generated By: Marjorie Nolan
Author's Purpose
Lois Pryce
Not too long ago, Lois Pryce was deeply unhappy. She worked in an office in her native England,
and as often as she could, she escaped the confines of the city on her beloved motorcycle. It
gradually became harder and harder for her to return to her cramped cubicle at the BBC. Lois
decided to quit her job and travel to the Americas.
On April 23, 2003, she began a long-distance motorcycle tour that stretched 20,000 miles from
Alaska to Argentina. Along the way she encountered many dangers, including bears, engine failures,
intense desert heat, and steep mountain roads. Lois‘ love of adventure continues to this day. In
October of 2006, she completed a 10,000 mile motorcycle trip from Tunisia to Cape Town, South
Africa. She and her husband, who is also a long-distance motorcycle expeditionist, are currently
planning a trip together from London to India.
1. The main purpose of this passage is to
A. persuade the reader to purchase a motorcycle.
B. convince the reader to visit the Americas and Africa.
C. inform the reader about a long-distance traveler.
D. entertain the reader with an exciting fictional story.
There are many reasons for the obesity epidemic in countries around the world. One problem is
that young people whose parents have bad eating habits do not eat healthy food at home. Schools
once fixed this problem by offering students healthy meals. Today, most high schools have vending
machines, which offer anyone with a few dollars unhealthy items like fruit punch, soft drinks,
cupcakes, and potato chips. A student who does not use the vending machines can also go through
the lunch line and get a cheeseburger and French fries.
Schools must offer students meals, but there is no reason that schools should offer unhealthy
meals or provide access to vending machines. Many students eat two meals a day at school. That
means that the majority of the food these students eat comes from their schools. If schools offer
healthier choices, they can guarantee that the majority of the food that these students are eating on
weekdays is healthy. This will go a long way in combating the growing problem of obesity.
2. The author's purpose is to persuade. Which statement from the passage best
shows the author's purpose?
A. "If schools offer healthier choices, they can guarantee that the majority of the food
that these students are eating on weekdays is healthy."
B. "One problem is that young people whose parents have bad eating habits do not eat
healthy food at home."
C. "Today, most high schools have vending machines, which offer anyone with a few
dollars unhealthy items like fruit punch, soft drinks, cupcakes, and potato chips."
D. "A student who does not use the vending machines can also go through the lunch line
and get a cheeseburger and French fries."
Toy manufacturers have managed to take the bite out of even the most ferocious animals. Tigers,
lions, bears—you name it, and it comes in cuddly, ―just my size‖ stuffed animal proportions. So is it
any surprise that people are becoming more and more fascinated with owning ―exotic‖ pets from the
wild?
Many people seem to think that any animal can be domesticated and kept as a household pet.
Although they may behave themselves initially, wild animals cannot betray their instincts forever.
Just the other day a 200-pound chimpanzee attacked a woman. Although the chimp had lived with
its human owner for over a decade and dressed, fed, and washed himself, in addition to being in
many commercials, he was still a primate. Doctors have come forward to say that no matter how
long these creatures live in human company, it‘s important to remember that they are still wild
animals and prone to returning to their animal nature.
Of course, when animals attack the first instinct is for authorities to subdue them. Usually the
poor creatures wind up in the great zoo in the sky. I don‘t think this is right. These animals should not
be punished for behaving in a way that comes naturally to them. I believe that human beings need to
leave wild animals in their natural habitat rather than trying, and ultimately failing, to domesticate
them. That way, nobody gets mauled, and no one gets put into an eternal slumber. There are many
dogs and cats at local animal shelters that can use a home just as there are many people who are
seeking companionship from pets.
3. Which best explains the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to encourage people to volunteer at their local animal shelters
B. to persuade people that attempting to domesticate wild animals is a bad idea
C. to convince people that more people should adopt wild animals as house pets
D. to inform people about how to adopt pets from animal shelters
4. Who is the most likely intended audience for this passage?
A. journalists writing about animal adoption
B. people interested in buying exotic pets
C. college students studying biology
D. people interested in adopting babies
5. Which statement from the passage best shows the author's purpose for writing?
A. "Toy manufacturers have managed to take the bite out of even the most ferocious
animals."
B. "These animals should not be punished for behaving in a way that comes naturally to
them."
C. "Of course, when animals attack the first instinct is for authorities to subdue them."
D. "That way, nobody gets mauled, and no one gets put into an eternal slumber."
What's in a Name?
by J. Robbins
Have you ever read War and Peace or Crime and Punishment and been confused by the fact that
the characters are called different names at different times? This trend in Russian literature reflects
the fact that Russia, along with several other Eastern European countries, uses a patronymic
naming system.
When a child is born in Russia, his or her parents only have to come up with one new name for
their baby. This is the first, or given, name. Some common Russian first names are Ivan, Mikhail,
and Aleksandra. First names can also be shortened into diminutives, which are similar to nicknames.
One diminutive form of Aleksandra is Sashenka. Diminutives are used between close friends and
family members.
A patronym follows the first name and is derived from the name of a person‘s father. It is based
on this formula:
first name of father + suffix meaning ―son of‖ or ―daughter of.‖
Men‘s patronymics most often end with the suffixes –ovich, –evich, or –ich. Women‘s
patronymics most often end with the suffixes –ovna, –evna, or –ichna. For example, Ivan, son of
Mikhail, would be Ivan Mikhailovich, and Ivan‘s sister Aleksandra would be Aleksandra Mikhailovna.
Finally, the family's name follows the patronymic. Some Russian family names you may be
familiar with are Tolstoy and Tchaikovsky. For many Russian women, last names are changed to
add an –ova or an –a. If Aleksandra Mikhailovna married a man with the last name of Gorbachov,
she would be Aleksandra Mikhailovna Gorbachova.
Respecting a person‘s naming system is one way of showing respect for his or her culture. When
using the Russian patronymic naming system, there are some important things to remember. The
use of all three names together is reserved for formal paperwork and public speeches. Addressing a
person by his or her first name and patronymic together is considered polite. For example, this would
be an appropriate form for a college student addressing a professor, two people meeting for the first
time, or colleagues talking in a work environment. The use of a person‘s first name by itself is
considered informal and occurs most often among friends or family members. Only very close
friends and family members address a person by his or her patronymic alone—it would be impolite
for a stranger or new acquaintance to do so.
Name order in the Russian patronymic system:
Fyodor
First/Given Name
Mikhailovich Dostoevsky
Patronymic
Last/Family Name
6. The purpose of the final paragraph of the passage is to
A. recommend that readers study the Russian language.
B. address issues of etiquette in using Russian names.
C. describe customs and rituals practiced in ancient Russia.
D. persuade readers to experience Russian culture firsthand.
7. What is the primary purpose of the visual included with the passage?
A. It provides an example of the proper usage of the Russian patronymic system.
B. It shows that the Russian patronymic naming system is becoming obsolete.
C. It advertises a major Russian author who has written about patronymic systems.
D. It introduces the name of the inventor of the Russian patronymic naming system.
8. The main purpose of the passage is to
A. explain symbolism and themes in popular Russian literature.
B. provide information about a practice that is common in Russia.
C. persuade readers to adopt the patronymic naming system.
D. recommend changes to the current practice of naming babies.
The Williams Sisters
Sporty siblings are not uncommon. Brothers Eli and Peyton Manning both have promising football
careers. Twins Tiki and Ronde Barber (football) and Bob and Mike Bryan (tennis) have also played a
role in the history of their sports. But sisters Venus and Serena are two of the most famous siblings
in the history of professional sports.
Together, the Williams sisters have dominated the world of professional tennis in the more than
10 years since they went pro. They consistently win the four most important tournaments, or Grand
Slams, in the World Tennis Association: the U.S. Open, French Open, Australian Open, and
Wimbledon.
As two of the world‘s best players, Serena and Venus met in six of the eight Grand Slam
championships they competed in from the U.S. Open in 2001 to Wimbledon in 2003. Serena won all
but one of those matches. In all, she has won eight Grand Slam titles, and Venus has won seven.
The pair has also won seven major doubles championships together.
The older sister, Venus, started a comeback in their sibling rivalry by winning the 2008
Wimbledon finals against Serena. During the match, Venus‘ serves reached speeds of more than
120 miles per hour.
9. Which of these is the main purpose of the article above?
A. to inform the readers about the Williams sisters' tennis careers
B. to instruct readers on how to get their siblings to play tennis, too
C. to entertain readers with a humorous story about the Williams sisters
D. to convince readers to join a sport with their sisters and brothers
The Polynesian people are considered to be descendants of the seafaring Austronesian people
who themselves originated in the Malaysian region of Southeast Asia. Polynesia is a sub-region of
Oceania, located just northeast of Australia and New Zealand. Although Polynesia is composed of
over 1,000 islands, the people living on those islands share a similar culture, language, and
ethnicity. Over 6,000 years ago, sailors and their families took to the seas in search of more lands.
They scattered across the islands of the South Pacific. The process these people used to navigate is
yet unknown to anthropologists. Samoa and Tonga are both American protectorates located in
Polynesia; Hawaii is also located there.
10. Which of these best states the author's purpose?
A. to persuade the reader take a trip to Polynesia
B. to explain how the U.S. acquired its Pacific islands
C. to educate the reader about the Polynesian people
D. to entertain the reader with a Polynesian myth
11.
The main purpose of the visual above is to
A. express an opinion about popular photographs.
B. persuade photographers to buy this magazine.
C. inform photographers about lighting issues.
D. entertain with pretty pictures of beaches.
Lost in Corn Country
by Heather Klassen
And I'm sure I've been lost in this corn maze for fifty hours. I didn't even want to go on this field
trip in the first place. Give me an air-conditioned classroom in the city, I said. Let me eat corn fresh
from a freezer.
But no, some farmer had to grow a cornfield in the shape of Washington State. He even carved
highways through the cornstalks.
And my teacher, Ms. Barlay, had to decide that the maze
would be a great field trip. To get a better sense of our state,
she said. And for fun, she added.
Here comes a preschool group, each kid gripping a knot on
a rope, a teacher at each end. If only our class had a knotted
rope, I wouldn't be in this predicament.
"Why is he sitting there?" a preschooler pipes up.
"Maybe he's lost," a teacher ventures. "Can we help you find
your way?"
"I'm just resting," I reply. I don't exactly want to be seen
following a bunch of three-year-olds out of this maze at the end
of a knotted rope.
I look around and spot the sign that tells me I've at least
made it halfway.
I would kiss that sign except that two grandmotherly-looking
women step into the clearing. They look at me. "Are you lost?"
one asks.
I'm starting to wonder if I have "lost" printed on my forehead.
Right now, I wouldn't even care. I just want to escape from this maze and never see an ear of corn
again.
"Sort of," I admit.
"Lucille and I know the way," the woman says. "Shall we take you?"
"No! No, thanks, I mean." Being led out of the maze by Lucille and her friend would be almost as
bad as showing up at the end of a pre-school rope. "I think I can find it if you'll point me in the right
direction."
"Take two rights," the woman explains, "then veer southwest."
Now I have to veer southwest, I remember. But how in the world do you veer? What's a "veer"
anyway?
Oh, no, there are those preschoolers again!
The preschoolers shuffle by. As the end teacher passes, I slip out and follow, hoping they're
heading for the exit.
When we reach the exit, I'll slip away from this group and slyly join my class . . . assuming they
haven't already left.
When we reach the end, I wish that they had gone. As the preschoolers and I exit, I realize that
the woman aiming a camera at me is Ms. Barlay . . . and that she's taking a picture of me being led
out of the maze by a group of three-year-olds.
I bump into Lucille and her friend as I back away.
"Here's the nice lost boy," Lucille says.
My face burns as my classmates look up at the word "lost." But hey, at least I'm out. That's all
that matters.
Copyright (c) 2001 by Highlights for Children, Inc., Columbus, Ohio.
12. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to inform the reader that adventure can be dangerous
B. to instruct the reader on how to navigate a corn maze
C. to persuade the reader never to enter a corn maze
D. to entertain the reader with a amusing story of adventure
13.
The publishers of this advertisement want readers to believe that apples can
A. prevent sickness and promote health.
B. strengthen children's bodies.
C. increase apple sales.
D. improve good eating habits.
The first night she was away at college Lauryn couldn‘t sleep. She tossed and turned for a few
hours. What if I chose the wrong major? The dean said less than 50 percent of the people who major
in Theatre actually survive the program.
Just when sleep seemed impossible, Lauryn finally drifted off. She dreamed that she was lost in
the woods. She had no idea how she got there or why she was wandering through such an
unfriendly place. I have a feeling that this is where I am supposed to be right now, she thought.
As Lauryn walked, she came up on a large brick building. She rounded a corner and a large
cement black top came into view. Just ahead was a swing set and a jungle gym. "This looks an awful
lot like my elementary school,‖ Lauryn said aloud as she let herself in the gate.
She walked up to the building and peered in the windows. What she saw surprised her. "It‘s my
first grade classroom,‖ she said. ―There‘s Ms. Massey at the front of room. And who is that little girl
in the hideous flowered dress?‖ Lauryn peered in the window a little harder.
Her jaw dropped as she realized the girl was her. I remember those days when Ms. Massey
would teach me poems to recite for oratorical contests. I was so amazed when I actually won. As
Lauryn stared at the girl‘s facial expressions and mannerisms, she recalled being frightened to death
at speaking in public. I don’t know what Ms. Massey saw in me that made her take me under her
wing like that. I was so shy, and she helped me discover a hidden talent.
―If she could only see me now,‖ Lauryn said to herself as she walked away from the building in
awe.
Bzzzzz! A loud buzzing sound invaded Lauryn‘s private thoughts and jolted her awake. ―Man, I
can‘t believe that was a dream,‖ she said, sitting up in bed and turning off her alarm clock. ―I guess
it‘s time to get ready for class and make Ms. Massey proud.‖
14. This was most likely written for
A. someone who likes to walk in the woods.
B. someone who is pursuing something new.
C. someone who has dropped out of college.
D. someone who longs to become a teacher.
15. The author most likely wrote this passage
A. to persuade people to become teachers through Ms. Massey's influence.
B. to warn people of the dangers of walking through the woods alone.
C. to entertain readers with an inspirational story about a girl named Lauryn.
D. to inform people of teachers' importance and influence on their students.
16. Which statement from the passage best shows the author's purpose for writing?
A. "And who is that little girl in the hideous flowered dress?"
B. "I was so shy, and she helped me discover a hidden talent."
C. "Lauryn's jaw dropped as she realized the girl was her."
D. "She walked up to the building and peered in the windows."
17.
Keri's English class has been selected to apply for a college scholarship from a local
phone company. The panel of judges consists of English teachers from schools throughout
the district. She has to write a five page paper on any topic of her choice.
Which of these is appropriate for her purpose and audience?
A. "How Reading More Can Increase Your SAT Scores"
B. "Why Facebook is Better than MySpace: A Theory"
C. "Why Students Should Protest All Homework Assignments"
D. "The Theme of Flying in Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon"
Man Aims for New Snake-Kissing Record
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia—A kiss is just a kiss, but it may prove to be the kiss of death for a
Malaysian snake charmer who will attempt to set a new world record by planting 50 smooches on a
venomous snake in 10 minutes.
AFP/File Photo: A snake charmer swallows
the head of a snake in Khadaitala, India.
Shahimi Abdul Hamid, 33, will perform the dangerous feat on March 11 in a bid to break the
current record held by an American man who kissed a poisonous snake 30 times in an unspecified
time, the national news agency Bernama said Thursday.
Shahimi has urged Malaysians to support him in his endeavor, saying he "wants to prove that
Asians can also be champions in taming poisonous snakes."
While many are urging him on, many animal groups are protesting the event calling it a "stunt."
"We believe this is a clear-cut case of an animal being exploited," said Donna Troy of People
Against Animal Exploitation. "Shahimi should respect these animals the way they respect people."
Shahimi could not be reached for comments.
Bernama said Shahimi displayed his prowess at a news conference late Wednesday by kissing a
three-meter long King Cobra 21 times. His bid in March will be filmed by U.S. television show
Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Bernama said.
Used with permission of the Associated Press © 2007. All rights reserved.
18. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this reading selection?
A. to inform readers about a man trying to set a world record
B. to describe to readers how a person can kiss poisonous snakes
C. to persuade readers to try to break various world records
D. to entertain readers with a story about a man who loves snakes
19. If the author of this article wanted to persuade people to take action against
Shahimi, what would be a good phrase to include?
A. The current world-record holder, Gordon Cates from Florida, kissed 10 monocle
cobras and a 15-ft. king cobra.
B. Many of the world's deadliest snakes are found in Australia and Africa, such as the
tiger snakes and black mambas.
C. The public should boycott Shahimi to send the message that dignity is more
important than world records.
D. Shahimi will use only his bare hands to protect himself whereas the current worldrecord holder used an iron bar.
Motown Records celebrated its 50th anniversary on January 12, 2009. This history making label
was founded by Berry Gordy. It became well-known for its distinctive blend of pop and soul music
known as the ―Motown Sound.‖ The label, originally called Tamla Records, was started with an $800
loan from Gordy‘s family members.
Berry Gordy officially launched Motown Records on April 4, 1960. The label got its name from its
hometown Detroit, Michigan. Detroit is called the ―Motor City‖ because the ―Big Three,‖ —Ford,
General Motors, and Chrysler—automotive companies are located there.
During its five decade history, the label featured legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross
& the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, The Jackson 5, and Boys II Men. Current acts include soul singers
India.Aire, Erykah Badu, and actress Lindsay Lohan.
20. The author wrote this passage in order to
A. entertain the reader with Gordy's stories.
B. inform the reader about Motown Records.
C. teach the reader how to start a record label.
D. persuade the reader to sign with Motown.
21. Which audience would most likely find interest in this passage?
A. someone interested in music and history
B. people doing research on the "Big Three" automotive companies
C. people interested in developing a sound
D. someone interested in becoming an actress like Lindsay Lohan
22. The author expects the reader to believe that
A. Lindsay Lohan wants to leave Motown.
B. Berry Gordy never paid his family back.
C. Stevie Wonder was Motown's biggest act.
D. Motown is an important record label.
23. Why did the author include the last paragraph of this passage?
A. to convince readers to sign with Motown
B. to entertain readers with stories about Motown's heyday
C. to inform readers about Motown's move to L.A.
D. to give examples of Motown's musical legacy
In 1990, the rebel forces of Mohamed Farrah Aidid entered Mogadishu, Somalia, and began a
process of ethnic cleansing against the followers of President Mohamed Siad Barre. In 1992,
President George H. W. Bush ordered a contingent of American marines to spearhead the landings
of the United Nations peacekeeping forces involved in Operation Restore Hope. The operation was
aimed at protecting humanitarian efforts designed to restore order and feed the population caught in
the crossfire of these two rival factions. By the time Operation Restore Hope had entered Somalia,
all public order and government had collapsed in Mogadishu. The operation was largely
unsuccessful, and public outcry called for it to be scaled down then eventually abandoned.
Following Operation Restore Hope, the United States Marine Corps pulled out of Mogadishu
and was replaced by a task force of Army rangers and Delta Force special operatives. Italy,
Pakistan, and Malaysia also left troops with UN peacekeepers in Mogadishu in a desperate attempt
to restore order. The fighting became so intense during one operation on October 4, 1993, that 18
U.S. servicemen lost their lives with another 73 wounded. Two U.S. Black Hawk helicopters were
shot down in the engagement. Sergeant First Class Randy Shugart and Master Sergeant Gary
Gordon were both posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their valiant attempts to protect the
life of Chief Warrant Officer Michael Durant, the pilot of one of the downed helicopters. This
unfortunate event marks the first time the medal had been awarded since the Vietnam Conflict.
In the years following the fighting, different factions and warlords ruled Mogadishu. In 2006, a
group of Islamic businessmen were able to seize power and found the Union of Islamic Courts. This
organization was barely able to restore tenuous order before their regime collapsed. That same
year, troops from Ethiopia invaded Somalia in an effort to install the internationally recognized
government, which had been in exile in Kenya for the past 14 years. As with the U.N. efforts to
restore peace, the Ethiopian efforts met with the same results, and the bitter fighting continued. In
this operation, the BBC reported that Mogadishu had been abandoned by over half of its remaining
citizens and that hundreds of thousands had perished since 1990.
The violence in Mogadishu continues with no end in sight. Pirates from the coast of Somalia
have begun to attack international shipping in the lanes off the Horn of Africa. These pirates are
protected and financed by the warlords that struggle for control of the country. Because of the War
on Terror, the United States military remains focused on extremists in the Middle East and
Afghanistan despite the fact that many Al Qaeda operatives received training and financing in
Somalia. The world seems to have moved on and left the Somalis to fend for themselves. Without
international intervention, there is little hope.
Conducting business in Mogadishu presents both extreme benefits and liabilities. Having no
central government means that businesses pay no taxes. There are no import or export fees. There
are no restrictions on trade whatsoever, except for what the individual warlords charge for
"protection." Many businesses that operate in Mogadishu hire private mercenaries and security
forces to defend their facilities and employees. Kidnap and hostage insurance companies will not
insure business personnel in Somalia. The incredible profits that stand to be made from an
environment of absolute free trade are offset by the high risk a business undertakes to conduct
commerce in Somalia or the waters offshore.
24. Which of the following best describes the purpose of this article?
A. to inform the reader about conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia
B. to persuade readers to avoid visiting Somalia or Mogadishu
C. to entertain readers with the compelling story of Mogadishu
D. to instruct the reader on how to establish a government
In any large city, fire safety is important. When buildings stand close together, as they do in
crowded municipalities, one small fire can quickly grow out of control. In 1666, the Great Fire of
London devastated the city, consuming over 13,000 homes, 80 churches, and the confines of St.
Paul‘s Cathedral. It is estimated that 70,000 to 80,000 citizens lost their lives in the blaze. Although
the fire spread so rapidly because of poor building ordinances and nonexistent fire brigades, such
devastation is very possible in the modern world. Fires like the Great Fire of London have been seen
following natural disasters, as in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina or the large-scale brush fires that
have consumed areas of Southern California. With real dangers, modern, responsible communities
should ensure they possess a well-funded and highly trained fire department. An able fire
department can make the difference between a small, controlled fire and a large, uncontrolled one.
Next week, Appalosa County will be voting on a referendum to increase funding to the municipal
fire departments of Joshuatown, MacKenzie, and Billingsworth. Though the proposition calls for a
3% increase to property taxes, the money will be well spent. I encourage all responsible citizens to
vote for Proposition 58.
25. Which of the following best describes the purpose of this article?
A. to entertain readers with a tale of brave firefighters
B. to warn readers about the risk of large-scale fires
C. to persuade voters to vote in favor of Proposition 58
D. to educate readers about the Great Fire of London
26.
The cartoonist created this comic to
A. describe a dog, a cat, and a mouse's relationship.
B. inform the reader how pets usually live on the streets.
C. entertain the reader with a story about a cat, a mouse, and a dog.
D. illustrate how cats, dogs, and mice do not always get along.
27.
Which of the following articles would best fit the primary purpose of this
magazine's issue?
A. "Pirate Party Fun"
B. "Exercise at Work"
C. "Healthy After-School Snacks"
D. "Running with Your Dog"
Rather than instilling a fear of guns and rifles in their children, I believe parents should educate
them. Shooting for sport is a great after-school activity to get kids involved in.
American sport shooter Jamie Beyerle has been shooting since she was eight years old. That‘s
when her parents got her involved in a BB gun program. Since then, she has gone on to win
numerous titles and become a member of the University of Alaska at Fairbanks‘ renowned shooting
team. Beyerle was even selected to be a member of the US 2008 Olympic team.
She is a prime example of why getting adolescents involved in shooting for sport is a great idea.
Doing so instills pride and self-confidence, as well as an appreciation for healthy competition, in
students. Beyerle not only used her skills to represent her country internationally, but also to help
other young people who are interested in the sport by volunteering with a local BB gun program.
28. What was the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to describe a major BB gun accident
B. to entertain readers with a shooting story
C. to convince readers to take up shooting as a hobby
D. to inform readers about the dangers of shooting guns
29. The author expects the reader to believe that
A. Beyerle would have been successful without sport shooting.
B. no kid can become the next Jamie Beyerle.
C. adolescents should be taught to stay away from rifles and guns.
D. shooting for sport makes kids well-rounded.
30. Which audience would most likely find this passage interesting?
A. opponents of after-school programs
B. parents interested in exploring hobbies
C. people interested in shooting for sport
D. student athletes and Olympic hopefuls
Dolphin Saves Whales Stuck on New Zealand Beach
by Adrian Bathgate
WELLINGTON (Reuters) - The case of two stranded whales saved by a dolphin off the coast of
New Zealand could be the first such case in the world, a conservation worker said on Thursday.
Moko the dolphin, a regular visitor to the coast of Mahia on the east Coast of New Zealand's
North Island, became an instant hero after leading two pygmy whales that had repeatedly stranded
into deep water on Monday.
"As far as I know it's the only documented instance of this happening," said local Department of
Conservation officer Malcolm Smith, adding he had checked with whale stranding specialists who
were also unaware of any similar dolphin rescues.
Moko, who had been visiting the beach at Mahia on and off over the summer, arrived at the
beach in the nick of time, Smith said.
The disoriented mother and calf had resisted attempts to herd them out to sea, and kept
restranding on the beach, to the point where Smith said the pair would likely have to be killed.
Then Moko appeared and came right up to the whales before leading them out to sea.
"Quite clearly the attitude of the whales changed when the dolphin arrived on the scene. They
responded virtually straight away," Smith said.
"The dolphin managed in a couple of minutes what we had failed to do in an hour and a half."
Smith said the whales had not been sighted again in the area.
However Moko had returned and was continuing to play with swimmers near the shore, as she
has done for about the past six months.
According to Department of Conservation figures, about 700 whales strand on New Zealand
beaches every year.
The exact reasons why are not known, but theories include sickness and sloping sandy beaches
interfering with whales' sense of direction.
Copyright 2008 Reuters. Reprinted with permission from Reuters. Reuters content is the intellectual
property of Reuters or its third party content providers. Any copying, republication or redistribution of
Reuters content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall
not be liable for any errors or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters
and the Reuters Sphere Logo are registered trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around
the world. For additional information about Reuters content and services, please visit Reuters
website at www.reuters.com.
31. The main purpose of the passage is to
A. inform the audience about a whale rescue.
B. inform the audience about New Zealand.
C. persuade the audience that dolphins are intelligent.
D. persuade the audience that whales become confused.
―This doesn‘t look right at all,‖ said Judd in dismay. He pulled his Ford Ranger over to the side of
the road and looked at his map. His sister Lizanka sighed deeply.
―You‘ve looked at that thing at least five times, Judd,‖ she told him. ―We know we‘re headed in the
right direction. Why don‘t we just keep going on this road until we find the airport?‖
―This is my first flying lesson, Liz,‖ Judd replied. ―How will it look to my instructor if I show up
late?‖
―I can‘t believe we both forgot our cell phones,‖ muttered Lizanka. ―I don‘t think I‘ve ever been
without a phone for this long.‖
―Relax,‖ said Judd. ―We‘ll drive for ten more minutes, I promise. If we can‘t find the airport, you
and your phone will be reunited shortly.‖ Lizanka shrugged her shoulders in reply as Judd pulled out
onto the road. They both scanned the area eagerly, looking for any sign of life.
―There it is!‖ cried Lizanka. ―The sign says to turn left here for Dupont‘s Air Services.‖
―I can‘t believe how small the airport is,‖ Judd remarked as he and his sister exited the truck and
walked toward the hangar. ―How are you supposed to land a plane on this little patch of grass?‖
―Very carefully,‖ replied a voice from the hangar. A tall man in a baseball cap and aviator
sunglasses walked toward them with a friendly smile. ―I assume you‘re Judd. I‘m Dupont Lively, your
new flight instructor.‖ Judd shook the pilot‘s hand and introduced him to Lizanka.
―Let‘s get up in the air,‖ Dupont told his new student. ―Your sister is welcome to come along with
us. The Cessna 172 can fit four people quite easily.‖
―Sure, I‘ll come along,‖ agreed Lizanka. ―As long as you don‘t let Judd navigate!‖ She laughed as
Judd glared at her behind the pilot‘s back.
32. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to inform the audience about Dupont Lively
B. to persuade the audience to take flying lessons
C. to describe the process of flying a plane
D. to entertain the audience with a short story
When it comes to fitness, new ideas are cropping up all the time. One example can be found in
the marathon, a long-distance race of 26 miles. A growing number of marathon runners have
decided to ditch their traditional running shoes and hit the pavement in bare feet. Barefoot
marathoners claim that running in shoes causes injuries and unnecessary stress on joints and
muscles. Recent studies have found that people who run barefoot land first on the balls of their feet,
then on the heels. This alignment is thought to reduce the risk of injury in runners. Running shoe
manufacturers, however, state that their products are specifically designed to alleviate the physical
strain caused by improper foot placement. Scientists are still studying the long-term effects of
running barefooted.
33. The author wrote this article in order to
A. inform readers about a new trend in fitness.
B. introduce readers to the health benefits of running.
C. convince readers to begin running marathons.
D. entertain readers with a personal anecdote.
Winters in the Country
by A. Gautam
Sixteen pigeons
in our front yard
made our tree house
a happy place.
I watched the white feathers
leave a trail of cold wind,
as they flew by my face—
mesmerized in the balcony.
They would flap their wings
and descend to the big bowl
for a bath
precisely at noon—
when the water warmed up.
They wobbled around
the edge of the shiny bowl,
fluttered, slipped, and flew.
I watched their heads
move
back and forth,
slightly to the side.
Their bellies hugged
the cement floor.
They snuck the grains
I spread out for them—
faster than the blink of an eye.
Sometimes I hear them
cooing in my city dreams.
Countless pigeons in my city
fly over me.
I don't have time
to watch
their falling feathers.
34. Why did the author most likely write this passage?
A. to influence the reader to be melancholy at times
B. to inform the reader about a melancholy winter
C. to teach the reader about melancholy winters
D. to entertain the reader with a melancholy poem
The director William Friedkin said that the Academy Awards is ―the greatest promotion scheme
that any industry ever devised for itself,‖ and he is correct. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, an organization of film industry professionals, schedules its awards show every year to
occur in the spring. The Academy gives out the awards, called Oscars, for the best performances,
scripts, songs, films, and technical advances from the preceding year. The Academy names its own
nominees. Its members vote on these nominees. The Academy tabulates these votes and
announces the winner. There are many opportunities for fraud or promotion. In fact, the nominees
often campaign for an award because the status increases ticket and video sales.
There have been over 80 annual award shows. The Academy has not missed a year since 1929.
In 1981, the Academy postponed the show for one day out of respect for then President Ronald
Reagan who was recovering after a failed assassination attempt.
Those 80 years have seen many questionable films win awards that did not hold up to the test of
time. In fact, many critics claim that certain members of the film community determine the winners
well ahead of time. While these critics will never be able to prove their claim, it makes sense
because the Academy developed the awards as a publicity campaign.
35. Which of the following represents an ethical appeal made by the author?
A. "The Academy gives out the awards, called Oscars, for the best performances,
scripts, songs, films, and technical advances from the preceding year."
B. "In 1981, the Academy postponed the show for one day out of respect for then
President Ronald Reagan who was recovering after a failed assassination attempt."
C. "The director William Friedkin said that the Academy Awards is 'the greatest
promotion scheme that any industry ever devised for itself,' and he is correct."
D. "The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, an organization of film industry
professionals, schedules its awards show every year to occur in the spring."
36.
What is the best way to describe how the advertisement tries to persuade the
viewer to see the movie?
A. It uses a catching color scheme that is attractive to the eye.
B. It is a small advertisement, so it is easy on the eyes of the viewer.
C. It creates a sense of urgency by telling the viewer not to "miss out."
D. It uses the animated characters to appeal to the viewer's inner child.
A Boy with Dreams
by A. Gautam
Willy waited every night
to wake up
and turn into a Batman.
He had the jaw
that looked intimidating
in a cowl,
and the perfect chin
with a hint of toughness—
full lips—an embodiment
of strength.
But he had the eyes of a poet—
searching meaning,
and looking beyond
what is seen.
When he looked at the city
from his balcony,
he was learning
to swim in the world—
growing up to be a man
was tougher than it seemed.
He was a boy with dreams.
He wanted wings.
37. Which statement best describes the purpose of this passage?
A. It's an instructive work on how to live and dream big.
B. It's an entertaining piece about a young boy's dreams.
C. It's a persuasive selection on how to sleep and dream.
D. It's an informative article about a confused dreamer.
Many people in the United States have seen the advertisements warning against movie and
music piracy. Hollywood studios are adamant that piracy must stop, and they are working with law
enforcement to put an end to illegal copying and downloading of movies and music. Hollywood is
waging a war against movie pirates. Now, it is time for Bollywood to join the fight.
Bollywood, the informal name for the movie industry in India, loses millions of dollars a year from
piracy. Copyright laws are not strongly enforced, and the movie audiences are not educated. These
two things must change in order to end the piracy in Bollywood.
Pirated CDs and DVDs are selling on Indian streets for less than $1. Movie tickets in India are
priced at about $3. Cost-conscious consumers are quick to buy pirated DVDs over going to the
theaters. This means over $400 million dollars in losses for India's entertainment industry. Bollywood
is the world's largest film industry, based on ticket sales. It is worth over $2.1 billion and is estimated
to more than double by 2011.
Dan Glickman is the president of Motion Pictures Association of America (MPAA). He said, "The
industry needs strong laws to support copyright. [The industry needs] strong enforcement of those
laws." He also said that people who break the laws need stiffer punishments.
The MPAA represents major movie companies in the world. It guesses that copyright theft cost
$1.2 billion in the Asia-Pacific region last year. Worldwide losses are estimated at $6 billion.
Bollywood films have grown in popularity lately around the world. This has led to a huge
bootlegging increase in Britain, the U.S., and Pakistan.
Some Indian studios have gone after the pirates with police help. But these steps have not
achieved much. Experts say this is due to weak law enforcement and a lack of awareness. Breaking
copyright laws can get a person sent to prison for up to three years. Most pirates get away with
paying a large fee.
Glickman urges Bollywood to move toward enforcing copyright laws more strongly. He says it is
important for people who love movies to understand that buying pirated movies hurts movie makers.
It makes it hard for them to make new films. Movie makers agree that it is time for Hollywood and
Bollywood to join together in the fight against DVD and CD piracy.
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38. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this passage?
A. The article instructs readers how to pirate movies legally.
B. The article informs readers about the fight against piracy.
C. The article entertains readers with a narrative on Bollywood.
D. The article updates readers on the Bollywood movie scene.
Although there is evidence of passport-like documents dating back to around 450 B.C., there
wasn't a standardized set of guidelines for them until the 1980s. These keys to exploring the world
come in several different types. Ordinary passports are issued to tourists for travel. Official
passports, or service passports, are given to government workers for job-related travel. Diplomatic
passports are issued to diplomats and come with privileges like diplomatic immunity. Emergency
passports might be distributed if a person loses his or her passport and there is not time to get a
replacement.
39. Which audience would most likely find this passage interesting?
A. tourists
B. foreign actors
C. doctors
D. flight attendants
40. What is the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to convince readers to get their passports
B. to describe the different kinds of passports
C. to inform tourists about planning trips
D. to entertain readers with travel stories
41.
The image and text above were primarily designed for what purpose?
A. to persuade people to buy the camera
B. to inform people about using the camera
C. to entertain people and make them laugh
D. to convince people to work for the company
Joseph Meets Dr. Acula
Joseph awoke with a toothache one morning, so he drove into the city to find a dentist. He was in
such terrible pain that he stopped at the first dentist‘s office he saw.
The front door to this office was dark red. It had an attractive black script that read, ―Dr. Acula,
Dentist Extraordinaire.‖ The name brought a chill down Joseph‘s spine, but he ignored it and
stepped inside.
The door immediately slammed shut behind him, extinguishing any trace of sunlight in the dark
and sinister-looking room. Cobwebs covered every corner, and the scent of dried blood polluted the
air. Joseph jokingly wondered if this Dr. Acula was the infamous vampire featured in stories and
movies. He went up to the reception desk to see if there was any chance he could be seen today,
but no one was there. A scroll of parchment lay open on the desk, so Joseph grabbed a pen to jot
down his information. He pressed the pen to the parchment and gasped as dark crimson ink flowed
out. Joseph was so frightened he didn‘t even notice that someone was watching him.
―Who‘s next?‖ a deep cold voice called from the darkness. Joseph turned his body slowly around,
petrified of what he would see. There, in the darkly lit doorway, stood a man in a black cape. His
teeth were bright white with . . . two long fangs! Joseph yelped and ran out of the office as fast as he
could.
When the door slammed, Dr. Acula sighed. He pulled out his false teeth and turned on the
fluorescent lights.
―Looks like another Halloween without any patients,‖ Dr. Acula said to the empty waiting room.
42. What was the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to inform the reader about a scary dentist
B. to persuade the reader to avoid the dentist
C. to describe an awful situation to the reader
D. to entertain the reader with an amusing story
How to Avoid Sharks
Considering that hundreds of millions of people participate in water activities stimulating to
sharks, the chances of being attacked by a shark are pretty low. Only 71 shark attacks occurred
worldwide in the year 2007, and only one resulted in a casualty. If you are still concerned, however,
take these simple precautions to stay on top of the food chain.
First of all, stay in groups. Sharks are more likely to attack a solitary individual. Also, avoid areas
where sharks are likely to feed, such as fishing spots, drop offs, sand bars, and river mouths, and
enjoy the ocean during the day because sharks most often hunt at night, dusk, and dawn.
Like any good predator, sharks know what to look for when hunting. Reflections of light often
come from fish scales, and the scent of blood is a telltale sign of life. For these reasons, make sure
to take off any shiny jewelry, avoid wearing bright and contrasting colors, such as yellow and orange,
and stay out of the water if you are bleeding or menstruating. If you do encounter a shark, get out of
the water as calmly and quickly as possible.
43. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this reading selection?
A. to entertain with a story about sharks
B. to persuade readers to care for sharks
C. to teach readers how to avoid sharks
D. to express an opinion about sharks
Known in its early years as ―Grape Vine Prairie,‖ Grapevine, Texas, is named for the wild
mustang grapes that grow in the area. Settlement of Grapevine began in the 1840s, making it one of
the oldest settled areas of Texas. The population was slow to rise and even fell in the period
between the two World Wars because of the poor economy. Grapevine resides on the shores of
Grapevine Lake, a man-made lake created by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1952. Largely a
th
farming village for most of the 19 century, it was not until the establishment of the Dallas/Fort Worth
International Airport in 1974 that the city was able to grow significantly. Although Grapevine is a fully
urbanized locale, it has several festivals in the fall to celebrate its agricultural roots.
44. What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A. to inform the reader about the city of Grapevine, Texas
B. to persuade the reader to move to Grapevine, Texas
C. to describe to the reader the slow urbanization of rural Texas
D. to entertain the reader with a story about a man-made lake
Music therapy is a field of scientific research that studies the relationship between clinical therapy
and biomusicology. Biomusicology is the study of the effects of music on the human physiology.
Music therapy is performed by a trained music therapist who employs music and all of its elements
(physical, emotional, and spiritual) to improve the health of patients. Music therapists assist patients
to increase their level of functioning and quality of life. They sing, play instruments, or discuss the
effects of particular pieces of music with their patients. Music therapy is most commonly employed to
treat patients who have suffered strokes.
Music therapy has existed in its current state in the United States since 1944 when Michigan
State University began offering degrees in music therapy. The American Music Therapy Association,
a professional organization for certified music therapists, was founded in 1988, and several institutes
for the study of music therapy exist within the country. Music therapy is typically a master's level
degree, with the graduate possessing an undergraduate degree in either music theory or some other
associated degree. Musical therapists are licensed therapists and incorporate music therapy into
other clinical practices like assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, rehabilitation, and so forth. Music
therapists in the United States obtain this level of certification through the Certification Board of
Music Therapists, which serves to regulate and control the actions of its members.
To become a board certified music therapist in the United States, the candidate must complete
course work at an accredited program at a college or university. They must complete over a
thousand hours of a music therapy internship and pass a board examination. They are required to
maintain their education through continuing education courses called Continuing Music Therapy
Education courses. Therapists who fail to maintain these courses can have their certifications
suspended.
45. The main purpose of the passage is
A. to persuade the reader to join a school of music therapy.
B. to demonstrate to the reader that music can be important.
C. to inform the reader about the school of music therapy.
D. to entertain the reader with interesting facts and ideas.
46.
White Chocolate Chunk Pecan Cookies
INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup white sugar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped white chocolate
1/3 cup chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS
1. Blend sugar and butter together until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla;
blend well.
2. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking powder; combine these ingredients with the
creamed mixture. Add chopped white chocolate and nuts.
3. Spoon dough out onto a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for
about 5 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown on the bottom. Let cool slightly on the
cookie sheet before removing, or they'll break.
What was the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to inform readers of the proper way to eat cookies
B. to provide instructions on how to bake cookies
C. to persuade readers that white chocolate is better
D. to entertain readers with a tale of two cookies
Guillotine Studios Beheads Competition
Los Angeles, CA—Guillotine Studios reports that the new version of the Razr video game console
will feature astounding graphics and ―stupefying‖ 3D play, according to CEO Jack Devon. Devon
explained that the studio had exceptional success in forwarding existing 3D technologies, and fans
of the old Razr system will enjoy the upgrade.
―We‘re all gamers too,‖ said Devon. ―Guillotine isn‘t going to release anything that doesn‘t completely
satisfy. I mean, the last thing I want my fans to think of when they hear the name Jack Devon is,
‗That guy‘s a newb. What does he know?‘‖
Despite Mr. Devon‘s witty remarks, financial backers for Guillotine are ―completely satisfied.‖
Guillotine draws capital from several close-knit private investment firms, of which Tidwell
Investments, Inc. is the largest. Steven Stanley, a spokesperson for Tidwell, had nothing but praise
for Guillotine‘s new system.
―I‘ve seen the numbers,‖ said Stanley. ―They make sense. Tidwell isn‘t going to put up money for
R&D that doesn‘t make sense. We‘re in the business of making cents. You can‘t do that if you‘ve got
a crummy product.‖
Mr. Stanley went on to announce that investors can expect Tidwell to license the technology so
competitors can make use of it as well.
"It appears that with Guillotine‘s new technology, old-fashioned games have gone the way of the
dodo," said Stanley.
While the success of the Razr console remains to be seen, both Guillotine and its investors are
steadfastly confident the new upgrade will deliver results. Guillotine's competitors are oddly silent,
but Bettye Hawk, lead designer for Parachute, was not too impressed with the Razr release.
Hawk had this to say, "It's all flash. Sure, they have some fancy graphics, but there are no games for
the console. There's no library. I think fans are going to get bored with it fast. It will be like playing 3D
Pong over and over."
However the competitors paint the picture, fans are eager to get their hands on the consoles. Lines
are forming around the block at most stores. Some fans have been waiting in line for days for the
release. Critics applauded Guillotine's early release of the system, but the results have not yet come
in. Right now, Guillotine and company are crossing their fingers in hope for a successful launch.
47. What is the best way to describe the purpose of this reading selection?
A. to persuade readers to get new gaming systems
B. to inform readers of a new video game system
C. to entertain readers with a story about gaming
D. to prevent readers from buying video games
48. If the author of the selection wanted to write a personal opinion article to
persuade readers that the Razr 3D is a great gaming system, which sentence
should he or she include?
A. The makers of Razr 3D claim to have created a revolutionary game system.
B. One feature of Razr 3D is the ability to play online games with strangers.
C. Some people believe the Razr 3D will outsell all other gaming systems.
D. The Razr 3D makes all the other gaming systems look weak by comparison.
Every year, our students slip further and further behind. Teachers must spend one to two,
sometimes three, months helping students get caught up to the academic level they exhibited before
the summer vacation. The loss of academic progress is known as summer reading loss.
Summer learning loss is a phenomenon that occurs when students lose academic skills and
knowledge they have acquired over the course of the prior school year. During the months of
summer vacation, when students are out of school, their daily activity does not reinforce the
academics they have participated in for the previous year. Research has shown that, on average,
students lose one month of study, but this average varies depending on the subject matter. Students
lose almost three months of study for math while losses for reading are less. Learning loss is more
prevalent in lower income students so that the achievement gap increases further between these
students and middle to high-income students.
Summer months were granted as vacation, originally, to allow students to focus on agricultural
harvests. The families would need all able-bodied hands to bring in the crop. As society became
more industrialized and less agricultural, the need for students to assist with the harvest became
less significant. With the necessity of summer vacation gone, the months instead are spent in
idleness. Allowing students to attend students year round will increase academic performance
because it will eliminate the phenomenon of summer learning loss.
49. Which choice best describes the author's purpose in writing this passage?
A. to persuade the audience that year-round schooling is beneficial
B. to inform the reader that year-round schooling is not necessary
C. to entertain the reader with the history of summer vacations
D. to explain the concept of year-round schooling to the reader
Degrassi is a Canadian TV series that became an American phenom. The Kids of Degrassi was
the original series in the franchise. Degrassi High, Degrassi: Junior High, and Degrassi: The Next
Generation have become household names in America thanks to The N network.
Unlike most shows geared towards adolescents and teens, Degrassi doesn‘t ignore or
overdramatize sensitive subjects. Peer pressure, cutting, teen pregnancy, child abuse, gang
violence, and drug abuse are just a few of the issues Degrassi: The Next Generation has covered
since its debut in October 2001.
Degrassi has won nine Gemini awards (a Canadian award comparable to the Emmy), two
Director‘s Guild of Canada Awards, and two Teen Choice Awards.
50. Who is the audience for this passage?
A. teenage television viewers
B. teenage pop music lovers
C. university psychology majors
D. performing arts students
51. Which of these best explains the author's purpose for writing this passage?
A. to convince people to watch Degrassi: The Next Generation
B. to describe the controversy surrounding the Degrassi series
C. to share information about an award-winning TV series
D. to persuade people to boycott the Degrassi TV series
The Partnership for Advanced Technology in Housing (PATH) is an initiative focused on both the
private and public sectors of the economy. The United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) manages the program and coordinates the project‘s efforts through the Office of
Policy Development and Research (PD&R). PD&R maintains PATH‘s budgetary needs, overall
strategy, and daily activities. PATH‘s aims are, according to its Web site, to increase ―the
development, dissemination, and use of new housing technologies.‖ PATH works with homebuilders,
building code officials, manufacturers, and other construction professionals to develop research and
enact building upgrades. Homebuilders and commercial property owners are encouraged to contact
the Affordable Housing Research and Technology Division of PATH for additional information.
52. Which of the following best describes the author's purpose in writing this
passage?
A. to explain the importance of government programs
B. to criticize builders who do not follow guidelines
C. to persuade low-income families to live in PATH units
D. to inform about the PATH project sponsored by HUD
53.
Mya has decided to has to write a five minute speech for her Oral Communication class.
Her teacher said the speech has to be informative and hold the interest of her ninth grade
classmates.
Which of these topics fits Mya's purpose and audience?
A. "The History and Discovery of Trigonometry"
B. "The Importance of Parental Involvement"
C. "The Dangers of Vending Machine Snacks"
D. "How to Get Your Kids to Eat More Veggies"
The term "cryptozoology" refers to the search for mythical or hidden animals. Cryptozoologists,
both amateurs and professionals, most often search for animals whose existence is denied by
mainstream biologists. Additionally, their searches primarily focus on large animals, such as
dinosaurs or the creature known as Bigfoot. The Loch Ness monster is one of the most well-known
cryptids, and cryptozoologists have been seeking proof of Nessie's existence for years.
Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans' book The Great Sea Serpent, written in 1892, is considered the
first scholarly work published on the subject of cryptozoology. However, the practice has been
around almost as long as humans have walked the Earth. Due to the availability of technology such
as GPS and satellite imaging, cryptozoology seems poised to become a popular new science.
54. Which of these best states the writer's purpose?
A. to inform the reader about the science of cryptozoology
B. to persuade the reader to become a cryptozoologist
C. to narrate the author's search for the Loch Ness monster
D.
to describe Anthonie Cornelis Oudemans' search for Bigfoot
The first time I entered a kitchen was in my father‘s Italian restaurant, Mario‘s on the Square. I
was probably around three years old. Right away, my father put me to work scrubbing potatoes. I
can still remember my chubby little fingers struggling to get the potatoes clean enough for his
approval. I worked (without pay) at Mario‘s on the Square after school. Every birthday, my father
would give me cookbooks and biographies of famous chefs like Julia Child and Jacques Pépin. My
father was determined that I would follow in his footsteps, and he always got what he wanted.
The first time I saw a motorcycle was in my uncle‘s garage. He had just returned from a longdistance ride across several states. When I saw the gleaming chrome and inviting leather,
something inside of me clicked. I began to read everything I could about motorcycles, and I would
visit my uncle at least once a week to watch him tune up his bike. After a while, my father began to
notice my newfound passion. We argued constantly—he wanted me to ―quit messing around with
those stupid bikes‖ and focus on my future. I already knew that motorcycles were my future, not
cooking. Over time, we came to respect each other and our different passions. The day my father
went for a ride with me on my motorcycle was one of the best days of my life.
55. Which of these best describes the author's purpose for writing?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to advertise the author's ability to tune up motorcycles
to entertain readers with the author's personal history
to inform readers of healthy ways to deal with conflict
to persuade readers to enjoy outdoor, not indoor, activities
The scientific study of amphibians and reptiles is known as herpetology. The name comes from
the Greek root herpeton which means ―creeping animal.‖ Those who study this field of biology are
known as herpetologists, though they prefer to call themselves ―herpers.‖ Modern herpetologists
specialize in a particular field of study, and it is rare to find one who focuses on general herpetology.
They find work in a variety of careers, such as field research, nature guides, professors,
veterinarians, museum curators, and so on. Few universities offer degrees in herpetology, so it is a
highly competitive and close-knit field.
56. This article was included in a course catalog guide for a university.
What is the best way to describe the author's purpose in writing this piece?
A.
B.
C.
D.
to persuade readers to take science courses in herpetology
to describe the difference between reptiles and amphibians
to inform readers with a summary about the field of herpetology
to amuse readers with a brief anecdote about "snake doctors"
Back in the late 1800s, Martin Stone was the most popular young fiddle player in northeastern
Tennessee. In the summertime, Martin liked to take Sunday off and sit up on a rocky bluff near the
top of Stone Mountain. There, he would play his fiddle and watch the sun come up over the green
rolling hills.
One day, Martin was playing a slow, leisurely tune on his fiddle when a rattlesnake slithered out
from under a rock, curled up in the sun, and watched him play. Before Martin knew it, the
surrounding rocks were filled with rattlesnakes. Most people would have fainted dead away in terror
at that point, but Martin was fascinated.
As the sun went down and dark shadows filled the valley, the snakes slithered back into their
nests. Martin packed up his fiddle with a chuckle and made plans to come back next week—but with
a surprise.
The next Sunday, Martin climbed to the rocky overhang and began to play his fiddle. Again, the
rattlesnakes slithered out and listened to him, hypnotized. Martin then put down his fiddle and picked
up a shotgun. He began blasting away at the rattlesnakes, picking them off one by one.
Every Sunday for the next few weeks, Martin returned to the bluff, played his fiddle until the
snakes came out, and then began shooting. It became a sport to him, and soon, he became known
around the county as the "Fiddlin' Snake Man."
One Sunday toward the end of summer, Martin returned to the bluff like he had done many times
before. As the sun rose, he began to play a soft waltz on his fiddle. Once again, the rattlesnakes
wiggled out from underneath the rocks and listened, swaying back and forth to the music.
Martin stopped playing, reached for his shotgun—then stopped. Something in the snakes' eyes
caught his attention. The snakes glared at Martin with fiery red eyes, burning with intense hatred.
Martin was hypnotized in their glare—as hard as he tried, he couldn't reach for his gun.
The snakes surrounded Martin and, one by one, began crawling up inside his pant legs. Martin
was frozen with terror as he felt their scaly bodies wriggle around his legs, his chest, and his arms.
All at once, the snakes started biting. As their icy venom flowed through his veins, all Martin could do
was scream—a horrifying scream that resounded throughout the valley.
To this day, some Johnson County residents refuse to climb to the rocky overhang at the top of
Stone Mountain, which they now call "Fiddler's Rock." In the lazy summer months, when the sun
rises over the hills, they say you can hear the faint notes of a fiddle, followed by a high-pitched
screeching sound.
adapted by c.safos from the folktale "The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock"
57. Which of the following best explains the author's purpose?
A.
B.
to entertain with an eerie tale about snakes
to inform that rattlesnakes are dangerous
C.
D.
to report on a current event about snakes
to warn against the handling of rattlesnakes
Answers
1. C
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. B
6. B
7. A
8. B
9. A
10. C
11. B
12. D
13. A
14. B
15. C
16. B
17. D
18. A
19. C
20. B
21. A
22. D
23. D
24. A
25. C
26. C
27. C
28. C
29. D
30. C
31. A
32. D
33. A
34. D
35. C
36. C
37. B
38. B
39. A
40. B
41. A
42. D
43. C
44. A
45. C
46. B
47. B
48. D
49. A
50. A
51. C
52. D
53. C
54. A
55. B
56. C
57. A
Explanations
1. This passage provides information about Lois Pryce, a woman who has made two major
journeys by motorcycle. The author does not try to convince the reader to travel or
persuade the reader to buy a motorcycle. The facts and dates mentioned in the text
show that the passage is not a fictional story. The purpose of the passage is to inform
the reader about a long-distance traveler named Lois Pryce.
2. This is a persuasive passage. The author attempts to persuade the reader that schools
should offer healthy eating choices to students. He or she states that this will have a
positive benefit by "guarantee[ing] that the majority of the food that these students are
eating on weekdays is healthy." This statement best shows the author's persuasive
purpose in writing this passage.
3. The author mentions that he or she believes that people should allow wild animals to
stay in their habitats so that no one gets hurt.
4. The author appears to be writing this passage with people who adopt "exotic" pets in
mind.
5. This sentence best sums up the author's viewpoint on this issue.
6. In the final paragraph of this passage, the author states that respecting the Russian
naming system is a way of respecting Russian culture. Then, the author discusses "some
important things to remember" about using the Russian patronymic naming system. The
main purpose of this paragraph is to address issues of etiquette in using Russian names.
7. The second, third, fourth, and fifth paragraphs of this passage discuss the proper name
order in the Russian patronymic naming system. The visual at the end of the passage
demonstrates the proper name order of well-known Russian author Fyodor Mikhailovich
Dostoevsky. This visual aid is intended to help the reader understand the material
discussed in the passage.
8. This passage describes several aspects of the patronymic naming system used in Russia
and other countries. The author does not discuss symbolism or themes in Russian
literature, recommend changes to current naming practices, or persuade readers to
adopt the patronymic system. The passage is mainly intended to provide information
about a practice that is common in Russia.
9. The article is not meant to entertain, instruct, or persuade. It gives information and lists
facts about sisters and world-renowned tennis players, Venus and Serena Williams.
10. Read the passage carefully. To determine the author's purpose, it is important to judge
the content of a text. This passage does not contain persuasive language or language
meant to entertain. It is very non-biased and straightforward; therefore, it is safe to
assume that the passage is meant simply to inform the reader about Polynesia.
11. The visual is an example of an advertisement. Advertisements almost exclusively have
the purpose of persuading. Ads may give the reader more information about the
product, but they only provide that information with the hopes that the reader will buy
or do something.
12. The best way to describe the author's purpose is to consider the content of the passage.
In this case, the information is fictional. Most people read fiction to be entertained. In
this case, the story is about a student who becomes lost on a class field trip and then
has to deal with being embarrassed. Likely, the reader will be able to identify with the
kind of embarrassment the story deals with, though the purpose is not necessarily
instructive. Likewise, the passage does not contain informative nor persuasive language.
Those kinds of passages normally do not take the form of a fictional story.
13. The advertisement says, "An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away," so the reader can
infer that the council believes apples prevent sickness and death.
14. This story is about a girl who is afraid that she will not be successful in college. Lauryn
dreams about a past event and a teacher that inspired her. This story would be helpful
to someone who is doing something new and needs a little inspiration.
15. This is an inspirational story about Lauryn's dream. It is meant to entertain readers.
16. Lauryn's teacher, Ms. Massey, helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. Now
she's a theatre major at college. Remembering Ms. Massey's inspiration encourages
Lauryn.
17. Although Keri can choose any topic of her choice, a paper discussing a literary theme in
a novel by a respected author would probably be most impressive to English teachers.
18. The passage is about a man looking to set a world record for kissing a snake. The
author doesn't make any plea to the audience to change this event or to influence the
event. The author is simply informing the audience, who may not be aware about this
man and his event.
19. In order to persuade someone into action, you must provide a rallying cry or propose a
solution to the problem. In this case, the solution is starting a boycott in order for
Shahimi to realize the snakes he performs with are being exploited.
20. This passage gives the readers insight into Motown's beginnings to its present day
status.
21. This passage gives Motown Records' history. A person who is interested in music and
history would enjoy it.
22. The author refers to Motown as "history making" and its acts as "legendary." He or she
wants the reader to believe that Motown is an important record label.
23. The last paragraph mentions artists who were important to the formation and success of
Motown.
24. This passage is a news article about ongoing conflict in Mogadishu, Somalia. News
articles are a primary source of information for many people. Other sources meant to
inform include newspapers, magazines, or other news outlets. The author does not try
to convince the reader of anything, so the passage is not persuasive. Rather, the author
relates the information in an objective manner so that only the facts are presented. This
type of writing is intended to inform the reader.
25. This is an editorial article. Editorial articles express the opinions of journalists or fellow
readers. The content of the article uses persuasive language. The author relates the
information in a subjective manner so that his or her personal opinion can persuade the
reader.
26. In this case, the cartoon shows a cat, a mouse, and a dog making friends and playing
nice. The cartoonist created a silly comic to entertain the reader with a story about a
cat, a dog, and a mouse.
27. The words "Keep Them Full and Healthy" are written just below the title of the
magazine, and the main picture of the cover shows different types of healthy food. The
reader can tell that this issue of Healthy Kids Magazine is devoted to the health of
children. The featured articles will most likely deal with nutrition and healthy foods.
"Healthy After-School Snacks" sounds like an article that would help promote smart
eating for students after school.
28. The sentences "She is a prime example of why getting adolescents involved in shooting
for sport is a great idea," and "Shooting for sport is a great after-school activity to get
kids involved in," let the reader know the author's feelings about sport shooting.
29. The author of this passage says that getting kids involved in shooting for sport instills
pride and self-confidence in them. He or she wants the reader to believe that sport
shooting helps make kids all around better people.
30. This article is about Jamie Beyerle's success as a sport shooter. People who are
interested in shooting for sport would enjoy a story about her.
31. This is a news article, and news articles are meant to inform people about current
events. Numerous people get information about things they do not know from
newspapers, magazines, or other news outlets. In this case, the article informs the
reader about a rescue involving two whales and a dolphin. Take note that the author
does not try to convince the reader of anything, so the passage is not persuasive.
Rather, the author relates the information in an objective manner so that only the facts
are presented. This type of writing is intended to inform the reader.
32. The best way to describe the author's purpose is to consider the content of the passage.
The information in this passage is fictional. Most people read fiction to be entertained.
This passage is the fictional account of a character named Judd who gets lost on the
way to his first flying lesson.
33. This article focuses on the new trend of running barefoot in marathons. The author does
not use persuasive language or personal anecdotes in the article. Instead, he or she
uses factual language to inform readers about this new trend in fitness.
34. Poems are usually written to entertain. In this case, the poem entertains with the
narrator's melancholy, or nostalgic, image of his or her winters in the country. Of the
choices provided, this poem is more entertaining than it is informative, persuasive, or
instructive. Can you tell why the speaker of the poem doesn't watch the falling feathers
anymore?
35. An ethical appeal is an argument based on the expertise, morality, or integrity of the
person making the statement. The author of this passage quotes William Friedkin, a
Hollywood director, in an attempt to provide support to the claim that the Academy
Awards ceremony is a publicity stunt. The other choices do not appeal to the integrity or
character of anyone.
36. One part of the ad contains the phrase "DON'T MISS OUT ON THE FUN!" Another
part of the ad has the date when it will be in theaters, which means they want you to
see the movie on the day it opens. They play on the idea that you will miss out if you
don't see it on opening day.
37. This passage is a poem. Poems are usually written to entertain. In this case, the poem
entertains the reader with an image of a young boy growing up with his dreams to be a
Batman. He thinks he has the qualities of a Batman, and he is learning to grow up. Of
the choices provided, this poem is more entertaining than it is informative, persuasive,
or instructive. Can you tell why the poet gives the boy, who wants to be a Batman, a
poet's eyes?
38. The best way to describe the purpose is to consider the content of the passage. In this
case, the author is trying to make a point of showing the problems that occur in movie
industries around the world because of piracy. The author is of the opinion that
Bollywood, India's film industry, needs to work together with Hollywood and other
industries to put an end to piracy.
39. Tourists would be interested in information about these "keys to exploring the world."
40. This passage explains the different kinds of passports that are available.
41. The image and text come together to form an advertisement. While the ad does provide
information about the camera, its main purpose is to get people to buy it. The camera is
described as a high pixel camera and is said to never miss a shot. These specific pieces
of information were carefully chosen to convince people to buy the camera.
42. This narrative is a humorous fictional story that is meant to entertain. Fictional stories
are normally not intended to persuade, describe, or inform. Those types of writings
usually take the form of an essay, newspaper article, or other informational piece.
43. Recipes, how-to guides, or directions all have the same purpose: to teach or instruct. In
this case, the passage is instructing the reader on how to avoid sharks.
44. The best way to determine author's purpose is to examine the content of a text. The
content of this passage is neutral and informative. It does not try to persuade or
entertain. Therefore, one can assume that the author's purpose in writing this passage
is to inform readers about the city of Grapevine, Texas.
45. Read the passage carefully. To determine the author's purpose, it is important to judge
the content of a text. This passage does not contain persuasive language or language
meant to entertain. It is very non-biased and straightforward; therefore, it is safe to
assume that the passage is meant simply to inform the reader about the school of music
therapy.
46. The author wrote this recipe to instruct readers on how to make white chocolate pecan
cookies.
47. The author's purpose is to inform readers of the release of the Razr 3D game console.
The author does not express a personal opinion about the game console.
48. The statement, "The Razr 3D makes all the other gaming systems look weak by
comparison," is the only answer choice that expresses a personal opinion. The correct
answer shows how the tone changes when the author writes about his or her personal
opinion.
49. This is a persuasive passage. It is designed to persuade the reader to agree with the
author that year-round schooling is a good idea. The author does not devote much, if
any, time explaining the concept of year-round school. Rather, the author makes a
claim then provides evidence to support the claim. All of these are key elements to a
persuasive essay.
50. This passage about the Degrassi TV series would interest teen viewers because they are
the target audience.
51. This passage talks about the origin of the Degrassi series and some of the subject
matter it has covered.
52. The purpose of the passage can best be described as informing the reader about the
PATH project. The passage is straightforward and unbiased. The author states various
facts about the program sponsored by HUD without attempting to persuade or entertain
the reader. Many government agencies are required by law to publicize in detail the
purposes of their services.
53. Ninth grade students would probably most likely be interested in hearing why vending
machine snacks are dangerous. The other topics sound like something a parent would
want to hear or something that would not hold the students' interest.
54. The purpose of the article is to inform. When trying to determine the purpose of an
article, consider the content carefully. In this case, the content is informational. The
author is informing the reader about the science of cryptozoology.
55. This passage contains the first-person account of the author's early life. The author
describes his/her family relationships and his/her passion for motorcycles. The passage
is mainly intended to entertain readers with the author's personal history.
56. The best way to describe the author's purpose is to consider the content of the passage.
In this case, the information is meant to give the reader a brief explanation and
summary of herpetology, thus allowing the reader to make an informed decision on
course enrollment.
57. This narrative is a fictional ghost story, and a primary purpose of fiction is to entertain.
Persuasive writing usually comes in the form of an essay or editorial piece in which the
author argues for or against a particular point of view. In this case, the author makes no
judgments of any kind. Likewise, the story does not provide the reader with information
about a particular subject. Informative writing is normally presented in an objective
way, like a newspaper article or textbook entry.
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